Original Item: One of a Kind. Perhaps no other collectible is so shrouded in myth, misinformation and mistaken identity as German regimental steins. These pieces have been steadily reproduced since the 1960s and most experts agree reproductions far outnumber authentic examples. Yet few buyers other than stein specialists know how to identify the fakes. We have examined this stein thoroughly, with reference to several websites such as RealorRepro and SteveonSteins, and this one has all of the correct aspects for being original.

The majority of authentic German regimental beer steins were produced between about 1890 and 1914. During this time, military service was compulsory in Germany. Most men would take basic training between 17 and 20 and then enter the reserves until age 40. A group of men would enter a unit together, stay in the same unit for training and be discharged as a unit. This sense of togetherness fostered the custom of buying souvenirs with the unit name, insignias and decorations as a keepsake of military service. Many souvenir items were available such as pipes, clocks, flasks and especially steins. Rosters of names from your unit, or regiment, could be added to the steins and these became known to collectors as "regimental steins."

During WWI and the build up to WWII, Steins once again gained popularity, though they were generally much more utilitarian than the ornate steins made prior to WWI. They were shorter, with much less ornate glaze, and did not have the level of fit and finish seen earlier. However they were just as cherished by the owners who purchased them to commemorate their service.

This is a totally genuine WWI 1917-manufactured ceramic .4L beer stein with a hinged pewter lid. This one is marked 4/10 L, a very strange capacity as most we have seen of this type are .5L. This is a souvenir that would have been purchased by a soldier of the regiment during the war. The stein features the Bavarian colors & lions with a Telegraph pole sticking out of the top, with the text:

BAY - A - F - A - 121
WEIHNACHT
1917

This indicates the soldier is in what is likely the 121st Telegraph Company, or perhaps a telegraph company attached to a 121st regiment or division.

The lid & hinge of the stein are made of pewter, with the top of the lid engraved:

F. Sch.
5

This is likely the name of the soldier shortened, but of this we can’t be certain. Condition is very good, with a lovely patina, without any serious damage or cracks. We see no evidence of damage from being dropped, so we assume that due to improper firing or storage over the decades these cracks developed. This example is maker-marked on the bottom, something we truly never see on WWI steins.

This .04 l stein is lovely, being totally original WWI era produced. Ready to research and display!